PT  - JOURNAL ARTICLE
AU  - Eccles, Abi
AU  - Keating, Sabrina
AU  - Mann, Claire
AU  - Shah, Lisa
AU  - Dale, Jeremy
AU  - Apenteng, Patricia
AU  - Heera, Neelam
AU  - Kuypers, Nina
AU  - Tatnell, Lynn
AU  - Hillman, Sarah
TI  - Accessing Equitable Menopause Care in the Contemporary NHS – Women’s Experiences
AID  - 10.3399/BJGP.2024.0781
DP  - 2025 Jul 01
TA  - British Journal of General Practice
PG  - BJGP.2024.0781
4099  - http://bjgp.org/content/early/2025/09/04/BJGP.2024.0781.short
4100  - http://bjgp.org/content/early/2025/09/04/BJGP.2024.0781.full
AB  - Background: Women from lower socioeconomic status and minority ethnic backgrounds have earlier onset and more complex menopause symptoms. Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) has grown in popularity, however there are stark disparities in those who access HRT. Rates of use in deprived areas and for Black and Asian women are significantly lower than that of white women and those in more affluent areas. Aim: To gain deeper understanding of factors shaping approaches to managing menopause and HRT prescribing patterns. Design and Setting: A qualitative study with women recruited from general practice and community networks. Method: To explore women’s experiences of menopause and accessing primary care as well as how perceptions and approaches may be shaped by cultural norms, we conducted in-depth semi-structured interviews and focus groups with women experiencing menopause (n = 40). Purposive sampling allowed a breadth of experiences and thematic analysis was conducted. Results: We developed three themes in relation to women’s experiences of accessing menopause care: • ‘Contemporary contexts’ shaped women’s experiences, managing menopause alongside high workloads and caring responsibilities posed challenges perceived as distinct from previous generations. There was heightened awareness/reduced stigma and mixed views on HRT. • ‘How menopause care is experienced’ we demonstrate how consultations about menopause were emotionally charged, many felt they would have to advocate for HRT (if they wanted it) and some felt frustrated with the lack of options available. • ‘Cultural and economic background influences on menopause help seeking’ included how some women from Black or Asian backgrounds did not discuss menopause within their communities. Mistrust of medical institutions/treatments and lack of representation was problematic for nonwhite participants. Some women worried about stereotyping during consultations. Conclusion: The findings demonstrate how menopause may be particularly disruptive to modern women. We demonstrate how women are often dissatisfied with the options available and highlighted key areas, such as communication about HRT benefits/risks, which could be improved in primary care settings.